United Kingdom Simplifies Covid Entry Rules
The United Kingdom (U.K.) on Monday introduced a new system which aims to make entry requirements for foreign nationals simpler and more straightforward.
The new system replaces a three-tier traffic light-inspired system with a single “red” list of countries and territories that present the highest risk. The rest of the world then has the same set of entry requirements.
Under the new rules, fully vaccinated travelers entering England will no longer be required to take a pre-departure coronavirus test when returning from a country that is not on the red list. Travelers must still pay for a test to take on the second day after their return, beginning later this month.
To be considered fully vaccinated, travelers will need to have received all doses of a vaccine-type that’s been approved by programs in the U.K., Europe or the U.S., and have completed the course at least 14 days prior to arrival. Accepted vaccines include AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna or Johnson & Johns/Janssen. For those courses that require two doses, it’ll also be acceptable to have mixed two different vaccine types or have received each inoculation under different approved national programs.
If you’re traveling to England from “red list” countries, the same rules will apply for all. Id doesn’t make a difference if you’re fully, partially or unvaccinated.
“Our priority remains to protect public health but, with more than 8 in 10 people now fully vaccinated, we are able to take these steps to lower the cost of testing and help the sector to continue in its recovery,” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in a statement.
New Rules for Entry to U.K.
Vaccinated visitors must:
- Provide proof that you’ve been fully immunized using digital or hard-copy documentation (CDC card for Americans).
- Pay for and book a COVID-19 test for Day Two after arrival.
- Complete a passenger locator form within the 48-hour window prior to your arrival.
Unvaccinated and not fully vaccinated visitors must:
- Take a pre-departure COVID-19 test within 72 hours of travel to England.
- Pay for and book a COVID-19 test for Day Two and Day Eight after arrival.
- Complete a passenger locator form within the 48-hour window prior to your arrival.
- Quarantine for the first 10 days.
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